While DFL legislative leaders have been reluctant to embrace Gov. Dayton’s budget plan, many union members are in full support of it.

Roughly 300 union members attended a rally at the State Capitol today to show support for Dayton’s budget and bonding bills. They also spoke out against efforts to cut the state’s workforce, freeze salaries and make Minnesota a “Right to work state.”

AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson says Dayton’s plan to borrow $1 billion for public works projects will create up to 28,000 jobs. She also said Dayton’s plan to raise income taxes on Minnesota’s top earners will make the state’s tax system fairer.

Russ Jones of Anoka also spoke in support of Dayton’s budget plan. The union floor layer, who has been out of work for two years, says Dayton’s budget plan will protect lower and middle income taxpayers.

“Hopefully, we can get this thing fixed with Mark Dayton and hopefully the rich can get a grip on that the little bit that he’s asking will go in a monster, long way in fixing our economy that they messed up.”

Dayton’s Chief of Staff, Tina Smith, urged those in attendance to continue speaking out in favor of Dayton’s budget plan. She said it would keep some of the state’s core services in place.

“If this is the kind of Minnesota that you want. If this is how you want to get Minnesota working again,” Smith said. “We need you because Governor Dayton can’t get this by himself.”

Meanwhile, GOP legislative leaders are traveling the state speaking out against Dayton’s budget.

Republicans in control of the Legislature have criticized both Dayton’s budget plan and his bonding proposal.

About the blogger

Tom Scheck has covered politics and state government for more than ten years for MPR News. He’s covered several gubernatorial campaigns, two statewide recounts, the presidential bids of Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate races, close Congressional contests and the Minnesota Legislature. He lives in Falcon Heights with his wife, son and dog. He can sometimes be found chasing a white ball on a golf course. It isn’t a straight walk. Tips are welcome at tscheck@mpr.org